Walkin' Shoes: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Mark Taylor's arrangement captures the relaxed swing sensibility of Mulligan's original while making the piece genuinely playable for younger ensembles. The "band within a band" concept keeps energy high without overloading any single section, and the optional solos give your stronger players room to shine without holding up the reading musicians.

Relaxed and urbane. You get the unhurried sophistication of a small combo even with a full ensemble, with moments of conversational interplay between sections. The swing feel breathes naturally rather than pushing, creating that classic post-bebop cool that made Mulligan's music timeless.

This works for Grade 3 jazz ensembles that have basic section balance but may not yet have strong improvisers. The medium swing feel accommodates players still building their swing articulation, and the "band within a band" structure means everyone has meaningful rhythmic and melodic work.

• Let the rhythm section settle the groove before soloists enter; a solid walking bass and crisp cymbal work make the swing feel effortless rather than rushed.
• Balance the written and ad lib. solo sections by having subs prepared for either option depending on your personnel that week.
• Keep the ensemble sections light and conversational rather than heavy; the arrangement's strength is in the interlocking voices, not volume.

Pair this with other Grade 3 standards to build a jazz repertoire concert that shows students how different arrangers approach the same tune. It also works well mid-year when your sections have developed enough cohesion to handle the ensemble voicings without sacrificing individuals' parts.

• Reading and executing medium swing articulation
• Balancing melody and countermelody within a multi-section texture
• Walking bass line consistency and harmonic awareness
• Responding to solo sections without losing ensemble placement
• Listening for interplay between written and improvised material